You may not have seen him in the boardroom, but you’ve probably seen him out and about on the Estate, enjoying every inch of the environment that is Simbithi.
At this year’s Annual General Meeting, the good doctor Dudley Wang officially ended his time as a Director, after a decade of faithful service to Simbithi Eco-Estate. Dudley made an ineradicable impression on all who had the privilege of working with him: a friend to every person, plant and animal on Simbithi.
Born in 1949, Dudley grew up on a farm near Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal. After graduating from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, he spent three years at Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, and then 18 years in family practice at Estcourt. His career highlights are most certainly illustrious: in 1999, he served as Chief Medical Officer for De Beers, Orapa Mine, in Botswana, and in 2004, he transferred to headquarters in Johannesburg to serve as the De Beers Group Chief Medical Officer, heading up health issues globally. From 2007 to 2011, he served as the Health Manager for Shell Upstream Sub Saharan Operations in Lagos, Nigeria.
It was not just medicine Dudley was passionate about: the environment holds a special place in his heart. He was the Chairman of the Wagendrift Conservancy for five years, and the Chairman of Orapa Game Park for two years.
During his time as a Director, Dudley served in the Environmental, Human Resources, CSI and most recently Security portfolios. During each of his tenures he supported the management team with vigour and made particularly meaningful contributions within the environmental sphere. His astonishing knowledge of our nature trails and birdlife – and, his unique ability to tell a magnificent story – delighted many staff members when he popped into the office. His kind, patient manner when taking hundreds of children on night walks, through the forest was something to behold: keeping all those little faces rapt with attention is no mean feat!
So, Dudley, as you step down from the Board, the Simbithi family thanks you most sincerely for your service to the Estate. Thank you for serving us willingly, selflessly and with aplomb. Thank you for caring for our environment with distinction. As you take this well-deserved time to rest, we thank Jill, your children and grandchildren for loaning you to us for 10 years.
In honour of your decade of outstanding service and your passion for Simbithi, we are honoured to grant you a lifetime membership to the Simbithi Country Club.
We will miss you!
